Canada’s Anti-Spam Law – New Guidance On Offering Apps, Software

Canada's Anti-Spam Law (CASL) targets more than just email and text messages 

CASL also prohibits installing a "computer program" – including an app, widget, software, or other executable data – on a computer system (e.g. computer, device) unless the program is installed with consent and complies with disclosure requirements.  The provisions in CASL related to the installation of computer programs will come into force on January 15, 2015.

Application outside Canada

Like CASL's email and text message provisions, the Act's "computer program" installation provisions apply to persons outside Canada.  A person contravenes the computer program provisions if the computer system (computer, device) is located in Canada at the relevant time (or if the person is in Canada or is acting under the direction of a person in Canada).